Newark winters may not rival northern New England for frigid temperatures, but homeowners in neighborhoods like Brookside, Fairfield, and Covered Bridge Farms know how quickly their homes can lose heat. If your living room warms up only to cool down within minutes or your energy bills spike every January, your HVAC system isn’t necessarily failing—it’s dealing with several common local challenges.
Aire Serv of Newark explains why these homes struggle to stay warm and what homeowners can do to improve comfort and efficiency during the cold months.
1. Aging Insulation in Newark Homes
Many homes in Brookside and Fairfield were built between the 1960s and 1980s. Over time, insulation can:
- Settle or compress, reducing effectiveness
- Allow heat to escape through attics, walls, and crawl spaces
- Contribute to uneven room temperatures
Even a perfectly working furnace will struggle to maintain warmth in a home with underperforming insulation. If your home feels drafty despite the heat running, the attic, rim joists, and basement are good starting points for inspection.
2. Multi-Level Layouts Increase Heat Loss
Neighborhoods like Covered Bridge Farms feature split-level and multi-level homes. These layouts create natural temperature imbalances:
- Heat rises to upper floors, leaving lower levels cold
- Thermostats measure one zone, causing uneven heating
- Furnaces or heat pumps cycle more frequently to compensate
Homeowners often feel that their system “runs constantly” but never fully warms the home. Solutions include airflow adjustments, duct balancing, or adding zoning controls.
3. Drafty Windows and Doors
Older windows, common in College Park, Devon, and Fairfield, are a major source of heat loss:
- Single-pane or aluminum-frame windows leak heat easily
- Warped sashes or failed seals create cold drafts
- Exterior doors with worn weatherstripping allow warm air to escape
Even small leaks can make rooms feel several degrees cooler, increasing strain on your HVAC system.
4. Microclimate Effects in Newark Neighborhoods
Local geography and winter weather patterns can impact indoor comfort:
- Cold air pools in low-lying streets or yards
- Wind channels between buildings accelerate heat loss
- Freeze-thaw cycles stress the structure and HVAC efficiency
Neighborhoods close to the University of Delaware or low-lying areas near Brookside are particularly prone to these microclimates, requiring extra attention to insulation and draft prevention.
5. HVAC System Wear and Maintenance
Homes experiencing rapid heat loss put extra strain on furnaces and heat pumps:
- Frequent cycling increases wear on components
- Filters clog faster, reducing airflow
- Thermostats may trigger inefficient heating patterns
Regular maintenance, filter replacement, and system inspections can help your HVAC operate more efficiently despite heat loss challenges.
How Aire Serv of Newark Can Help
Our technicians specialize in helping Newark homeowners combat heat loss. We provide:
- Heating system inspections and tune-ups
- Airflow optimization and duct balancing
- Recommendations for insulation or window improvements
- Draft-sealing guidance
If your Brookside, Fairfield, or Covered Bridge Farms home loses heat faster than it should, Aire Serv of Newark can diagnose the problem and offer solutions tailored to local homes.
Stay warm, save energy, and protect your HVAC system this winter—contact Aire Serv of Newark today.
